A bit of early Christmas cheer from Arsenal, following their victory over Reading on Monday. After the agent of Kieran Gibbs announced that Arsenal would be making a 'feel good' announcement at 3PM today, Gooners were left wondering what it could be.

Had Theo Walcott renewed?

Was it Bacary Sagna instead?

Perhaps Piers Morgan had finally transferred his support to Manchester City.

Not quite, but almost as good.

For those of you who can't see the picture, or just want it explained, that's five of Arsenal's young British internationals signing new long-term deals, each four to five years long.

Aaron Ramsey, Carl Jenkinson, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain have all extended their stay at Arsenal, forming the 'British core' Arsene Wenger has been very keen on for a while.

Walcott remains unsigned, but there are a million and one articles about him, so let's not bother with that.

Extensions or renewals?

It depends for some players. Aaron Ramsey is already on a fair wage, and so his new contract is simply an extension of the current one, perhaps with performance bonuses.

Carl Jenkinson has increased to about 28k a week, while the rest of the players are now earning a lot more.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is believed to have trebled his earnings, suggesting Arsenal are now trying to keep their prospects at the club by paying them based on what they could earn elsewhere.

Captain Jack

He was seated in the centre seat, and it's Jack Wilshere's deal that deserves the centre of attention. The five year contract that begins next season has bonuses that could take his earnings up to 85k a week, with the potential for more in the future.

Furthermore, it's expected he'll be the next captain of Arsenal, hopefully the leader of a new winning team, which is the next step for Arsenal in their long-term plan.

Things finally seem to be coming to fruition, but let's not get overly excited just yet.

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